Demand for sexual health home tests shows 'phenomenal success' of new service

At the Sexual Health Centre in Cork, manager Catherine Kennedy welcomed this interest, saying the kits normalise testing and reduce pressure on in-person services. Picture: Jim Coughlan

More than 91,000 free STI home tests were ordered by people checking their sexual health last year as the HSE expanded pilot projects into a national programme.

At the Sexual Health Centre in Cork, manager Catherine Kennedy welcomed this interest, saying the kits normalise testing and reduce pressure on in-person services. The free kits have been available nationally since October for over-17s, following pilots including across Cork and Kerry.